Label: ECM Records, 2022

Personnel - Joe Lovano: tenor saxophone, tarogato; Jakob Bro: guitar; Thomas Morgan: double bass; Larry Grenadier: double bass; Anders Christensen: electric bass; Joey Baron: drums; Jorge Rossy: drums.

This marvelous album put together by two amazing musicians, the American saxophonist Joe Lovano and the Danish guitarist Jakob Bro, is a homage to the late drummer Paul Motian. The latter’s influence and mannerism are dissolved over six pieces - two by each co-leader, one collective improvisation, and one iconic number from the drummer - devised with a highly personal stamp and nearly telepathic interplay. For this project made in Copenhagen, Lovano and Bro convened an unconventional group with three bassists (Thomas Morgan, Larry Grenadier and Anders Christensen) and two drummers (Joey Baron, Jorge Rossy).

Lovano’s “As It Should Be” opens the album with an entrancing mood via the mind bending combination of dawning calm and a spiritual heft that is not completely devoid of inquiries and challenges. The piece blossoms with a coruscating rhythm, distorted guitar chords and long notes that echo with depth, rambling pass pedaling, and searching tenor lines that fly to the infinite and return. Both drummers end this piece with a similar dynamism as they start off “Drum Music”, a Motian composition where the eccentric sax/guitar coalition brings its authoritative melody to the fore. Employing distortion, Bro puts an experimental spin on it, inspiring Lovano to pour out a few volcanic eruptions with both piercing and deep sounds.

“For the Love of Paul”, another product of Lovano’s mind, is marked by a clearly defined theme, producing a slight yet elastic tension over the unfussy tapestry. The co-leaders, who played together for the first time in 2009, are absolutely phenomenal here, opting for a stream of modern creative ideas. With restless energy, the saxist hooks up avant-garde and post-bop elements over the rippling currents provided by the basses and the spacious, effect-drenched guitar of his associate. It also incorporates a fine dialogue between bass players before the reinstatement of the theme.

Bro’s two cuts are etched with restrained intensity, balancing brain and heart: “Song to an Old Friend” is a heavenly tone poem delivered with some pathos and ravishing lyricism, whereas “Pause” ends up the proceedings in laid-back contemplation. On top of all that, the album includes a collective improvisation - aptly titled “Sound Creation” - with looped electronics, non-static drum activity, and the cathartic dances and unpredictable obliques of Lovano on tarogato (Eastern European woodwind instrument).

Once Around the Room has to be made a priority, and as an inspired work of rare talents, you’ll want to spin it over and over again.